Some carriers won't allow insured to be a trust, so in that case do it in your company name with trust as additional insured.

It's likely you'll be able to raise the rent as well with the upgraded unit and you can look to market it during the time of rehab. 

A builder that knows the area very well.

I ended up signing with them as well - 3 months in to the lease so far and it's going well.

It ends when they AND their stuff is removed to the level that allows you to begin the re-rental process. 

What if franchising is part of the strategy, with a long-term goal of acquiring properties as well?

They made contact with me as well but I don't want to get sucked into a scam. 

Here are pockets I focus on for cash flow:West side - West boulevard, Cudell, Clark-Fulton, Jefferson, Bellaire-Puritas, Old BrooklynEast side - Fairfax, Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Newburgh Heights, Lee-Miles (the north side), BedfordHere are the areas that I focus on for appreciation:West side - Lakewood, Edgewater, Old Brooklyn, Ohio City, Tremont (above 490)East side - Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, Fairfax*I have a graded neighborhood map of these areas as well if you would like to check it out.

Also, how to get an LVP that will wear well, for cheap?

I want to be a investor buying and holding as well as fix an flips.